Sonora, CA — Effective immediately, California drivers who receive a license will get a new-look card with advanced security features.
The DMV stresses that the existing driver’s licenses and identification cards will remain valid until their expiration date.
The addition of a digital security signature to one of the two barcodes on the back is a new anti-counterfeit measure. In addition, there will no longer be a magnetic strip on the back.
Aesthetic updates include new images of California’s Redwoods, poppies, and coastline.
The fee for the license remains $45, and basic identification cards are $39.
DMV Director Steve Gordon says, “While I know some of our customers will want the new version of the driver’s license, there is no need to replace an existing license or identification card until your current one expires.”
The most recent security update came back in 2010, and design changes were last made in 2018, with the introduction of the Real ID.
